PEMRA Denies Issuing Notification Banning Broadcasting Imran Khan’s Name
On November 11, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) submitted a detailed report to the Lahore High Court, denying that it had published a notification prohibiting television channels from mentioning Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s name.
The submission was made during the hearing of a petition filed by PTI member Akmal Khan Bari, who alleged that media outlets were refraining from broadcasting Imran Khan’s name due to an alleged PEMRA order. Justice Farooq Haider presided over the proceedings.
In its report, PEMRA clarified that no such notification or directive had been issued. The authority emphasized its commitment to upholding constitutional rights, including freedom of speech and the right to information, as enshrined in Articles 19 and 19A of the Constitution.
PEMRA further noted that the petitioner failed to provide any evidence supporting the claim of a ban. The report stated that if any such order had been issued, it could be challenged under Section 30A of the PEMRA Ordinance, which outlines the appeals process.
During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel was absent, with an assistant lawyer informing the court of the counsel’s engagement at the Supreme Court. Justice Haider remarked on the counsel’s consistent absence, noting that they “never appear” and “just have to file an application.”
The federal government’s representative supported PEMRA’s stance, arguing that the petition was inadmissible according to the PEMRA Ordinance.
Following these submissions, the court adjourned the hearing indefinitely.
The petition contended that television channels violated fundamental rights by not mentioning Imran Khan’s name and sought a court directive to lift the restriction.
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